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They provided cups of tea and biscuits, while the Red Cross volunteers were on hand to make sure everyone was safe.

The fire service confirmed there was no actual fire, but they had been there as a precaution.

The cordon was finally lifted by police officers around 1.15am, more than five hours after the closure.

Helen Legg, director at Spike Island said: “It’s been good to get to know our neighbours and it’s a shame they had been locked out.

“It was quite a nice atmosphere. Everyone was calm and kind to each other.”

Gas Ferry Road residents are allowed back to their homes after a chemical alert (Image: Michael Yong)

A spokesman for the police said: “The EOD (Explosives Ordinance Disposal) had carried out a detailed examination of the flat at the centre of last night’s incident in Gas Ferry Road and given the all-clear.

“Once again we apologise for the inconvenience caused during the operation and thank everyone for their patience and understanding during the operation.

“Your safety is important to us on occasions like this when a multi-agency operation takes place.

“We rely on the goodwill, support and patience of those who face upheaval and nuisance during the necessary precautions that need to be put in place.”